Project Pits Ridgeway vs. His Neighbors

The Planning Commission on Thursday will hear from former mayor Tod Ridgeway about why they should approve his Mariner’s Pointe project for now-vacant property at Coast Highway and Dover.

They also will hear from a group of project opponents: Ridgeway’s neighbors on King’s Road, which overlooks the project site.

Owners of 10 of the 11 homes or properties on King’s Road within 300 feet of the project site have signed a letter to the city objecting to Ridgeway’s plan. The 11th homeowner is Ridgeway.

Mariner’s Pointe is a 0.76-acre project, spanning six lots at Dover and PCH. It would be a 23,000-square-foot, two-story retail center anchored by a jewelry store and featuring restaurants, a spa and other shops.

The project will require that the city’s General Plan be amended to allow more floor space on the site, as well as special permits for such things as valet parking, rooftop parking and an architectural feature that exceeds the 40-foot height limit in the area.

Ridgeway’s neighbors are concerned about the height limit waiver and the center’s entry and exit points near the busy PCH/Dover intersection. But, they wrote in their letter, “We are most concerned about the Parking Structure: massive size, way over the 31-foot height limit, parking on the roof, lights on the roof.”

The neighbors are also worried that if the city allows variances on this site, that will set a precedent for other redevelopment along Mariner’s Mile. So they are talking with other owners on King’s Road to enlist their support as well, said Jack Geerlings, who circulated the letter of protest.

The Mariner’s Mile commercial area is marked by older buildings and many vacancies and is considered by city officials the highest priority for revitalization.

The Planning Commission will meet Thursday in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, beginning at 6:30 p.m.